Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
TRUSS SPACER AND BRACE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for spacing
structural members during construction and providing permanent bracing
between the same structural members. This is particularly valuable when
spacing and bracing roof trusses that are pre assembled and lifted into place
on
top of the underlying structure. Specifically, the present invention can be
attached to the top chord of an installed roof truss, another roof truss can
then
be lifted into place, and the present invention can then be attached to the
second roof truss. Because the present invention is manufactured in
preselected
lengths, it eliminates the need for cutting and handling spacer blocking.
During the construction of a building, the walls are typically built or
installed first. Gables and roof truss are then attached to the tops of the
walls.
These gables and roof trusses support the roof sheathing and give the building
structural integrity.
Where snow loads are expected, the roof sheathing is typically plywood
or the like, which is nailed to the roof trusses to form the roofing surface
to
which shingles and hardware are attached. When such heavy loads are not
anticipated, lathing strips are sometimes used instead of sheathing. The
weight
of the roofing material and any expected loads require a supporting structure,
which is the primary function of the roof trusses.
In the past, workers have typically spaced and braced roof trusses during
construction by temporarily nailing 1 "x3" boards across adjacent trusses.
When
the sheathing is laid over and attached to the trusses, the temporary spacer
boards must be removed to allow the sheathing to be nailed to the trusses
flush
with the sheathing that has already been laid down. Removing these temporary
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spacer boards is time consuming and they are usually damaged in the process so
that they cannot be reused.
A number of manufacturers have addressed some of the basic deficiencies
of this traditional construction technique that relies on wood spacer
blocking.
Truswall Systems manufactures a sheet metal product that provides lateral
bracing in predefined lengths that can be used for both temporary construction
and permanent structural bracing, eliminating the need to remove temporary
braces. Mitek Industries makes a similar product that uses teeth rather than
fasteners to connect to the top and side faces of roof trusses.
The present invention improves on the existing prior art by providing, in a
preferred embodiment, improved resistance to compression loads and,
secondarily, a more secure connection to the structural members that it spaces
and braces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural
members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently
bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three
longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to
the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that
are
fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the
apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and
third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that
is
standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24". This allows
the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form
permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.
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In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is formed with end tabs that
provide for attachment to the sides of the structural members opposite the
sides
to which the flanges are fastened. This is a more secure attachment than is
provided by the prior art.
In a preferred embodiment, the junctures of the flanges are provided with
gusset darts that reinforce the junctures. When the connected structural
members are made of wood , the flanges eventually bend back under
compression loads and the junctures are driven into the sides of the
structural
members. The gusset darts and the portions of the junctures in between the
gusset darts, which bite into the structural members like teeth, prevent
movement along the junctures and the connection is changed from one with two
pin joints to a columnar connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of
the
apparatus and the structural members. This allows greater compression loads to
be resisted.
In the most preferred embodiment, in addition to the features described
above, the three longitudinal members of the present invention form a channel
shape that is further reinforced by a longitudinal embossment. Furthermore,
the
ends of the two longitudinal members that form the sides of the channel are
reinforced by portions that are turned to form fourth and fifth longitudinal
members. In the most preferred form of the present invention, the junctures
between these fourth and fifth longitudinal members curve up to meet the
corner
at which the lower edges of the flanges meet the side longitudinal members.
Furthermore, the inner edges of the fourth and fifth longitudinal members run
smoothly into the lower edge of the adjacent flanges.
In the most preferred embodiment, the top tabs and end tabs are provided
with fastener openings that enable easier and more=precise attachment to the
connected structural members.
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In an alternate preferred embodiment, the fourth and fifth longitudinal
members
may be turned out away from the channel shape and join the lower edges of the
flanges at
either end of the apparatus.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus
comprising:
a. a first longitudinal member having a first end, a second end, a first side
and a
second side;
b. a first top attachment tab joined to said first end and a second top
attachment tab
joined to said second end;
c. a first longitudinal juncture along said first side of said first
longitudinal member;
d. a second longitudinal member, having a first end, a second end, a first
side and a
second side, joined to said first longitudinal member at said first
longitudinal
juncture;
e. a second longitudinal juncture along said second side of said first
longitudinal
member;
f. a third longitudinal member, having a first end, a second end, a first side
and a
second side, joined to said first longitudinal member at said second
longitudinal
juncture;
g. a first end juncture along said first end of said second longitudinal
member;
h. a first flange joined to said second longitudinal member at said first end
juncture;
i. a second end juncture along said second end of said second longitudinal
member;
j. a second flange joined to said second longitudinal member at said second
end
juncture;
k. a third end juncture along said first end of said third longitudinal
member;
1. a third flange joined to said third longitudinal member at said third end
juncture;
M. a fourth end juncture along said second end of said third longitudinal
member;
n. a fourth flange joined to said third longitudinal member at said fourth end
juncture;
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o. a first portion, distinct from said first flange, turned out of said second
longitudinal member at said first end of said second longitudinal member and
reinforcing said first end of said second longitudinal member;
p. a second portion, distinct from said second flange, turned out of said
second
longitudinal member at said second end of said second longitudinal member and
reinforcing said second end of said second longitudinal meinber;
q. a third portion, distinct from said third flange, turned out of said third
longitudinal
member at said first end of said third longitudinal member and reinforcing
said
first end of said third longitudinal member;
r. a fourth portion, distinct from said fourth flange, turned out of said
third
longitudinal member at said second end of said third longitudinal member and
reinforcing said second end of said third longitudinal member; wherein:
i. said first portion comprises a first reinforcing meinber with an outer edge
along part of said second side of said second longitudinal member and an
inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said
outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge
converging toward said outer edge and to said first end juncture such that
said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle;
ii. said second portion comprises a second reinforcing member with an outer
edge along part of said second side of said second longitudinal member
and an inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially
opposite said outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner
edge converging toward said outer edge and to said second end juncture
such that said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle;
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4b
iii. said third portion comprises a third reinforcing member with an outer
edge
along part of said second side of said third longitudinal member and an
inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said
outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge
converging toward said outer edge and to said third end juncture such that
said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle; and
iv. said fourth portion is a fourth reinforcing member with an outer edge
along
part of said second side of said third longitudinal member and an inner
edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said outer
edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge converging
toward said outer edge and to said fourth end juncture such that said inner
edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing two roof trusses connected by apparati of
the
present invention.
FIG.3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the
present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the
present invention.
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4c
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of
the present
invention.
FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.
FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.
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FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of
the present invention.
b
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member.
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges beginning to fold
back.
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the
junctures with the second and third longitudinal members beginning to embed in
the wood of the connected structural members.
FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the
junctures with the second and third longitudinal members embedded in the wood
of the connected structural members.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As best shown in FIG. 1 the present invention is preferably an apparatus 1
that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having a first end 3, a second
end
4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top attachment tab 7 joined to
the
first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8 joined to the second end 4, a
first
longitudinal juncture 9 along the first side 5 of the first longitudinal
member 2, a
second longitudinal member 10, having a first end 11, a second end 12, a first
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6
side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
first longitudinal juncture 9, a second longitudinal juncture 15 along the
second
side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a third longitudinal member 16,
having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first side 19 and a second side 20,
joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the second longitudinal juncture
15.
This embodiment further comprises a first end juncture 21 along the first end
11
of the second longitudinal member 10, a first flange 22 joined to the second
longitudinal 10 member at the first end juncture 21, a second end juncture 23
along the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a second flange
24 joined to the second longitudinal member 10 at the second end juncture 23,
a third end juncture 25 along the first end 17 of the third longitudinal
member
16, a third flange 26 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the third
end
juncture 25, a fourth end juncture 27 along the second end 18 of the third
longitudinal member 16, and a fourth flange 28 joined to the third
longitudinal
member 16 at the fourth end juncture 27. This embodiment further comprises a
first portion 29 turned out of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first
end
11 of the second longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of
the
second longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16.
The apparatus 1 of the present invention is preferably formed from sheet
metal that may be cut, stamped, punched, embossed and bent, but it may be
formed from cast metal or any other material that may be molded or otherwise
formed to embody the apparatus 1 of the present invention.
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7
As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first portion 29 preferably is a first
reinforcing member 33 with an outer edge 34 along part of the second side 14
of the second longitudinal member 10 and an inner edge 35 that terminates at
the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, the second portion 30
is
a second reinforcing member 36 with an outer edge 37 along part of the second
side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an inner edge 38 that
terminates at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, the
third
portion 31 is a third reinforcing member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part
of
the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41
that terminates at the first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, the
fourth portion 32 is a fourth reinforcing member 42 with an outer edge 43
along
part of the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 and an inner
edge
44 that terminates at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16.
As best shown in FIG. 6, the first portion 29 preferably further comprises
one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end juncture 21, the second portion
30
further comprises one or more gusset darts 78 in the second end juncture 23,
the third portion 31 further comprises one or more gusset darts 79 in the
third
end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 further comprises one or more
gusset
darts 80 in the fourth end juncture 27.
As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first flange 22 preferably has an inner edge
53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the inner edge 35
of the first reinforcing member 33 and the bottom edge 56 of the first flange
22
form a continuous edge 73, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer
edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the inner edge 58 of the second
reinforcing member 36 and the bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 form a
continuous edge 74, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge
64,
a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the inner edge 63 of the third reinforcing
member 39 and the bottom edge 66 of the third flange 26 form a continuous
edge 75, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer edge 69, a top
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8
edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, and the inner edge 68 of the fourth reinforcing
member 42 and the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 form a continuous
edge 76.
As best shown in FIG. 4, the bottom edge 56 of the first flange 22
preferably meets the second longitudinal member 10 at a first junction 57, the
inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves to the first junction
57,
the bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 meets the second longitudinal
member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of the second reinforcing
member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the bottom edge 66 of the
third flange 26 meets the third longitudinal member 16 at a third junction 67,
the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39 curves to meet the third
junction 67, the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 meets the third
longitudinal 16 member at a fourth junction 72, and the inner edge 44 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction 72.
As best shown in FIG. 5, the first reinforcing member 33 and the second
reinforcing member 36 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member 45,
the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the inner edge 38 of
the second reinforcing member 36 joining to form a continuous inner edge 46 of
the fourth longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the first
reinforcing
member 33 and the outer edge 37 of the second reinforcing member 36 joining
to form a continuous outer edge 47 that joins the second side 14 of the second
longitudinal member 10 to form a third longitudinal juncture 48 and the third
reinforcing member 39 and the fourth reinforcing member 42 join to form a
fifth
longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39
and the inner edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to form a
continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member, and the outer edge
40 of the third reinforcing member 39 and the outer edge 43 of the fourth
reinforcing member 42 joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that joins
the
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9
second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth
longitudinal
juncture 52.
As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention preferably further comprises a first end attachment tab 81
joined to the first top attachment tab 7, and a second end attachment tab 82
joined to the second top attachment tab 8.
As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention preferably further comprises a continuous reinforcing
embossment 83 in the first end attachment tab 81, the first top attachment tab
7, the first longitudinal member 2, the second top attachment tab 8 and the
second end attachment tab 82.
As best shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 of the present invention
preferably further comprises fastener openings 84 in the first end attachment
tab
81, the first top attachment tab 7, the second top attachment tab 8 and the
end
attachment tab 82.
As best shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 of the present invention
preferably is in a connection 85 that further comprises fasteners 94, a first
structural member 86 attached to the first end attachment tab 81 and the first
top attachment tab 7 with the fasteners 94, and a second structural member 87
attached to the second end attachment tab 82 and the second top attachment
tab 8 with the fasteners 94. The fasteners are preferably nails, but may also
be
brads, screws, bolts or integral teeth. Alternatively, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention may be attached to the first structural member 86 and the
second structural member 87 with tack welds or adhesives.
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As shown in FIG. 2, the first structural member 86 is preferably part of a
first roof truss 88, and the second structural member 87 is part of a second
roof
truss 89.
As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when the connected
structural members are made of wood, the flanges 22, 24, 26 and 28 eventually
bend back under compression loads and the junctures 21, 23, 25 and 27 are
driven into the sides of the structural members 86 and 87. The gusset darts
90,
91, 92 and 93 prevent movement along the junctures 21, 23, 25 and 27 and
the connection is changed from one with two pin joints to a columnar
connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of the apparatus 1 and the
structural members 86 and 87. This allows greater compression loads to be
resisted.
In a first alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
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11
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first reinforcing member 33 and
the
second reinforcing member 36 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal
member 45, the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the inner
edge 38 of the second reinforcing member 36 joining to form a continuous inner
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12
edge 46 of the fourth longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the
first
reinforcing member 33 and the outer edge 37 of the second reinforcing member
36 joining to form a continuous outer edge 47 that joins the second side 14 of
the second longitudinal member 10 to form a third longitudinal juncture 48,
and
the third reinforcing member 39 and the fourth reinforcing member 42 join to
form a fifth longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third
reinforcing
member 39 and the inner edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to
form a continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member 49, and the
outer edge 40 of the third reinforcing member 39 and the outer edge 43 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that
joins the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth
longitudinal juncture 52.
In a second alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end _1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
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13
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first flange 22 preferably has an
inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the
bottom edge 56 meeting the second longitudinal member 10 at a first junction
57; the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves to the first
junction 57, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer edge 59, a
top
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14
edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the bottom edge 61 meeting the second
longitudinal member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of the
second reinforcing member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the third
flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom
edge 66, the bottom edge 66 meeting the third longitudinal member 16 at a
third junction 67, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39 curves
to
meet the third junction 67, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an
outer
edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, the bottom edge 71 meeting the
third longitudinal member 16 at a fourth junction 72, and the inner edge 44 of
the fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction 72.
In a third alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 11, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
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flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
10 and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first flange 22 preferably has an
inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the inner
edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the bottom edge 56 of the first
flange 22 form a continuous edge 73, the second flange 24 has an inner edge
58, an outer edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the inner edge 58
of the second reinforcing member 36 and the bottom edge 61 of the second
flange 24 form a continuous edge 74, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63,
CA 02364466 2001-11-30
16
an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the inner edge 63 of
the third reinforcing member 39 and the bottom edge 66 of the third flange 26
form a continuous edge 75, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer
edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, and the inner edge 68 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 and the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28
form a continuous edge 76.
In a fourth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
i
CA 02364466 2001-11-30
17
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first portion 29 preferably
further
comprises one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end juncture 21, the second
portion 30 further comprises one or more gusset darts 78 in the second end
juncture 23, the third portion 31 further comprises one or more gusset darts
79
in the third end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 further comprises one
or
more gusset darts 80 in the fourth end juncture 27. The first flange 22
preferably has an inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom
edge 56, the bottom edge 56 meeting the second longitudinal member 10 at a
first junction 57; the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves
to
the first junction 57, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer
edge
59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the bottom edge 61 meeting the
CA 02364466 2001-11-30
18
second longitudinal member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of
the second reinforcing member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the
third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a
bottom edge 66, the bottom edge 66 meeting the third longitudinal member 16
at a third junction 67, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39
curves to meet the third junction 67, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge
68,
an outer edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, the bottom edge 71
meeting the third longitudinal member 16 at a fourth junction 72, and the
inner
edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction
72.
In a fifth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
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19
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end
juncture 21, the second portion 30 is one or more gusset darts 78 in the
second
end juncture 23, the third portion 31 is one or more gusset darts 79 in the
third
end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 is one or more gusset darts 80 in
the
fourth end juncture 27.
In a sixth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
CA 02364466 2001-11-30
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
10 and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. As
best shown in FIG. 5B, the first flange 22 preferably has an inner edge 53, an
outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the first portion 29 is a
first gusset 90 that connects part of the bottom edge 56 of the first flange
22
to part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10, the second
flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom
edge 61, the second portion 30 is a second gusset 91 that connects part of the
bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 to part of the second side 14 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an
outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the third portion 31 is a
third gusset 92 that connects part of the bottom edge 66 of the third flange
26
to part of the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth
flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom
CA 02364466 2001-11-30
21
edge 71, and the fourth portion 32 is a fourth gusset 93 that connects part of
the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 to part of the second side 20 of
the
third longitudinal member 16. As best shown in FIG. 5C, the first portion 29
and the second portion 30 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member
45, the inner edge 35 of the first portion 29 and the inner edge 38 of the
second portion 30 joining to form a continuous inner edge 46 of the fourth
longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the first portion 29 and the
outer edge 37 of the second portion 30 joining to form a continuous outer edge
47 that joins the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 to form
a
third longitudinal juncture 48, and the third portion 31 and the fourth
portion 32
join to form a fifth longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third
portion 31 and the inner edge 44 of the fourth portion 32 joining to form a
continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member 49, and the outer
edge 40 of the third portion 31 and the outer edge 43 of the fourth portion 32
joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that joins the second side 20 of
the
third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth longitudinal juncture 52.